by Gregg Zoroya, USA TODAY

by Gregg Zoroya, USA TODAY

The vast majority of government services for veterans, from health care to the crisis hotline (1-800-273-8255) to compensation claim processing and payment, will continue even if the government shuts down Tuesday, the Department of Veterans Affairs said Friday.

The VA cares for nearly 9 million veterans, distributes compensation benefits to 3.7 million and oversees life insurance polices for about 7 million veterans. All this work will continue regardless of what happens, according to the VA.

A variety of counseling services, including for military sexual trauma, and the processing and payment of educational benefits will not be impacted. Burials at national cemeteries will also continue, but may be on a reduced schedule.

The department has provided a list of services not impacted on this website: http://www.va.gov/opa/docs/Field_Guide_20130927.pdf.

Call-in centers for the VA inspector general and for consumer affairs, however, will cease operations during a shutdown, as will the recruiting and hiring of veteran job applicants. the VA says.